Mon, Jun 20, 2011
Electronic Solution Launched By Allied Pilots Association,
American Airlines
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) announced Thursday that
American Airlines has begun final testing of Apple iPad tablet
computers equipped with electronic-charting functionality.
“Last year American Airlines became the first carrier
authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to use iPads as
electronic flight bags for pilots,” said First Officer Hank
Putek, a member of the APA Safety Committee who has led the
union’s efforts to develop and deploy EFBs. “American
Airlines has now become the first to deploy iPads with an
electronic-charting solution.”
Electronic charting provides pilots with a digital image of
their flight route. The final testing phase is a prelude to FAA
approval of the devices to serve as Class 1 Electronic Flight Bags
(EFBs) during all phases of flight. “By eliminating bulky
flight bags filled with paper, EFBs mean less weight for pilots to
carry, reducing the possibility of injury on duty,” Putek
said. “In addition, they enable pilots to immediately
download updates, rather than waiting for paper versions of
required documents to be printed and distributed.”
Along with lower paper printing and distribution expenses,
reduced fuel consumption represents another EFB benefit. The
devices weigh approximately 1.5 pounds and replace paper flight
manuals easily weighing 35 pounds or more that pilots are required
to carry while operating a commercial flight.
APA, American Airlines and Jeppesen collaborated on the
development of the electronic-charting solution for the iPad. The
final testing phase involves Boeing 777 pilots from the
airline’s Los Angeles crew base.
“With the recent announcement that Alaska Airlines will
soon be issuing iPads to all of that carrier’s pilots to
serve as EFBs, it’s clear that American Airlines stands at
the forefront of a significant industry trend,” Putek said.
“I’m extremely pleased that APA was able to play a role
in bringing this effort to fruition.”
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